An investigation into a large outdoor illegal marijuana cultivation in Livermore led Sheriffs Deputies to Barbano Court in Antioch last week and at least 8-people arrested.
On Thursday, investigators from the Alameda County Sheriffs Office and BART Police surrounded the home and took three people into custody.
The following information was provided by the Alameda County Sheriffs Office on Friday.
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office began a long term investigation regarding an enormous outdoor illegal marijuana cultivation near mile marker 18.6 on Mines Rd in rural Livermore. ACSO obtained a search warrant for the 200 acre property as well as a residence of the primary suspect in Antioch, CA.
Yesterday, the search warrant was conducted on Mines Road with the assistance of Hayward, Fremont and East Bay Regional Parks Police. CHP Air ops and our UAV team provided aerial support. The Antioch residence search warrant was done by the Alameda County Narcotics Task Force.
A small illegal marijuana grow, approximately two pounds of dried and processed marijuana and $10,000 cash were located in Antioch. Two suspects were arrested there.
The Mines Road location consisted of three separate parcels which were spread out on the 200 acres of land.
Over 4,600 Marijuana plants were eradicated. Some of these plants were over 9 feet tall and six feet wide. 100 lbs of processed marijuana, two firearms, and over $15,000 in cash were recovered. Eight people were detained and ultimately arrested for Cultivation and distribution of illegal marijuana at this location. A marijuana oil extraction lab was also located.
The land, gardens, and dozens of outbuildings were inspected by California Fish and Game, Zone 7 Water District, and Alameda County Code Enforcement. The Game Wardens located over 20 violations of environmental crimes. Some of the major violations were diverting natural water runoff, drilling illegal wells, and crimes of pollution which all severely impacted the environment in a negative way.
Fish and Game reported there is likely over a million dollars’ worth of civil penalties for the damage caused by this marijuana grow. Cal Fire additionally evaluated the area and noted several violations regarding fire safety and endangerment to the environment.
The District Attorney’s Office will be moving forward with the prosecution of this case.
